Titled News: The Crow's Nest, March 3, 2023 Update
In the bustling city of Des Moines, Iowa, news of Park University's recent accolades and upcoming events has been making waves. The University, known for its commitment to accessible, student-centered, quality higher education, has been recognized for its efforts.
The Valor Medals Review Project, a project conducted by Park University's George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War, was awarded the first place Master Columnist award by the Iowa Newspaper Association on February 2nd. This project, which was the focus of an "On Point" article in The American Legion Magazine's February edition, is a testament to the University's dedication to historical research and education.
Meanwhile, in Kansas City, Missouri, a significant restoration took place. A large stained-glass window displaying Park University's co-founder and first president, John A. McAfee, was returned to Washington Chapel C.M.E. Church on the same day. The window, which was vandalized on February 1st, is now back in its rightful place, serving as a symbol of the University's rich history.
On the athletic front, Danielle Burg, a senior from St. Joseph Central High School, has signed a letter-of-intent to play women's soccer at Park University's flagship Parkville Campus. Burg is one of 16 recipients of the University's McAfee Scholarship.
In terms of music, the Park University International Center for Music has been garnering attention. The Stanislav and Friends concert was highlighted on KCTV in Kansas City on February 20th and 23rd, promoting the March 11th concert at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The International Center for Music was also featured in a "Sounds of America" column published in the February edition of Gramophone magazine.
Looking ahead, Park University has a series of exciting events lined up. On March 11th, the International Center for Music will present a concert featuring Stanislav and Friends at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. On March 31st, the ICM Orchestra will perform at Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel.
In addition, on April 5th, a roundtable event titled "Women Transforming Criminal Justice" will take place at Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel. This event will feature 11 women from the Kansas City region in criminal justice-related fields.
Dori Woodruff, a 1998 Park University graduate, has recently joined the University in a significant role. Effective February 6th, she has been appointed as the senior director of human resources and the first chief officer of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Park University. Woodruff brings over 15 years of experience in human resources and employee relations to this role. She will also oversee the University's diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging strategies and initiatives.
Woodruff will collaborate with the People and Culture Strategic Impact Group to implement Park's Vision 2025 objectives. While the exact wording of Vision 2025 was not detailed in the search results, it aligns with the University's commitment to accessibility and a student-centered approach to education. As the first DEIB officer, Woodruff likely aims to embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives into this framework to support the University’s strategic goals.
Lastly, Casi Joy (McCall) Lankford, a 2012 Park University graduate, sang the "National Anthem" during the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade and rally in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 15th.
With these developments and events, Park University continues to make strides in various fields, solidifying its position as a hub of education, music, and community engagement.
- Dori Woodruff, a Park University graduate, has been appointed as the senior director of human resources and the first chief officer of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Woodruff's role at Park University will oversee the University's diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging strategies and initiatives.
- In music, the Park University International Center for Music has been garnering attention, with Stanislav and Friends concert being highlighted on KCTV and featured in the Gramophone magazine.
- Casi Joy (McCall) Lankford, another Park University graduate, sang the "National Anthem" during the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade and rally.
